Lasers with wavefront-reversing mirrors (review)

The principles of construction of lasers with wavefront reversing (WFR) mirrors are considered. Descriptions are given of methods for the determination of the transverse and longitudinal mode structures in such lasers. The advantages and shortcomings of various systems with WFR mirrors are reviewed. A comparison is made of the various systems with one another and with conventional mirrors. The future trends and the main lines of further research are forecast.